Board game

ABSTRACT

A board game including at least one playing surface. The surface is provided with at least one feature adapted in a manner that a participant may cast a suitably sized and shaped projectile around and/or into the feature and wherein the board is adapted to move. The board game is particularly, but not exclusively adapted for use by individuals with limited motor ability for recreation and/or as an educational tool and/or as a therapeutic device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for playing a board game for useparticularly but not exclusively, by more than one player, playingeither individually or in teams; furthermore, said apparatus is intendedto be used by individuals of any age and/or individuals with limitedmotor ability for recreation and/or as an educational tool and/or as atherapeutic means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Board games have worldwide popularity and are played by all cultures toassist in recreational activity and education. Typically a board gamewill comprise a selectively sized and shaped playing surface whichprovides the means on which the board game is played. Additionally,accessory parts to the board game are provided in the form of counters,instruction cards, die, play figures etc. The playing of the board gameis dictated by a set of rules or instructions which refer to themovement, or otherwise, of selected accessory parts around the playingsurface. Broard games typically also contain play cards which includeinstructions, questions, forefits and the like which participants haveto complete to progress the game. Board games are traditionally playedby more than one person either as a group of individuals or in teams ofdefined size. Classic board games include Monopoly™, Scrabble™ andTrivial Pursuit™. These board games have universal appeal and can beplayed by both the relatively young and old alike. Numerous variationsof these classical board games exist and even with the advances incomputer technology and computer games, they still retain a niche ofpopularity amongst families and groups inclined to take part in a thisform of recreational activity.

Board games do not solely function as an alternative recreationalactivity. Many board names such as, for example, the above identifiedgames, provide teaching means to improve a child's, numeracy, literacyand general knowledge. Indeed many of these games exist as juniorversions of the adult form of the board game, for example, JuniorScrabble™.

Additionally, there is increasing evidence that games may play animportant role in the social development of children, promoting teamwork and communication between children which will serve them inadulthood There is also evidence that game play may also have animportant role in physical and mental therapy of all age groupssuffering a wide range of physical and mental ailments.

For example, autism is a disease that affects the functioning of thebrain resulting in abnormal behaviour patterns,(e.g. those areas of thebrain controlling reasoning, social interaction and communication skillsis markedly affected in autism suffers). Autistic individuals thereforehave difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, socialinteraction, play or leisure activities. Children suffering from autismshow, amongst other things, retarded language development. show littleinterest in making friends and do not initiate spontaneous and/orimaginative and/or pretend play. Current medical opinion is that a curefor autism seems unlikely. Efforts are therefore focused on providingtherapy to alleviate the symptoms of autism. Experience has shown thatindividuals with autism respond well to highly structured andspecialised education regimes. This would include some level ofcommunication therapy and social skill development which may be providedon a group basis. The playing of games may be an informal means topromote communication and social interaction thereby improving anindividuals social and communicative skills.

Additionally it is become apparent that we are living in an ageingpopulation. Older people (older people refer to those individuals of apensionable age) are representing a much greater percentage of thepopulation. In the UK there are over 10 million older people whichrepresent approximately 20% of the population. In England in 1996approximately 250,000 older people were in residential homes (eitherlocal authority, voluntary or private) being cared for by care workers.Additionally over 90,000 older people were housed in private retirementhomes which provide secure residence and communal activities. It isevident that a significant number of older people are the responsibilityof the local authorities which provide both housing, entertainment andmedical supervision for their residents.

Further, it is inevitable that, although life expectancy is increasing,chronic diseases of old age still occur, for example and not by way oflimitation, rheumatism, arthritis, stroke, neuro degenerative disease,depression, senile dementia, Alzhiemers disease and Parkinson's diseaseall represent complaints that many older people may experience duringold age. Although some medicines exist to alleviate these conditionsthey still represent a considerable problem to the older person and thecarers employed to look after them. Stroke victims, for example, canexperience wide ranging symptoms such as paralysis, slurred speech andmemory problems. The administration of medicines can help with certainsymptoms. However physical therapy also has a role in rehabilitatingsufferers of stroke.

It is also becoming apparent that an older person requires mentalstimulation to retain mental agility. The majority of a person's life isdedicated to some form of full or part time employment which wouldordinarily require some mental activity with respect to completing tasksand problem solving. Those who live alone can join various clubs tomaintain friendships and interests and those in residential homesusually have some form of communal meeting place where activities arearranged for those who wish to take part. It is important that theseactivities provide both enjoyment and mental stimulation if they are tobenefit those that take part. Activities such as Bingo and Quiznightsalthough popular can become unexciting and routine if they are the onlyactivities offered.

Accordingly there is a need for games and the like which are designedspecifically to achieve the above entertainment, learning andrehabilitation needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have now suprisingly found an apparatus in the form of a board gamewhich provides a dual function by providing in the first instance ameans to test the visual acuity and physical co-ordination of anindividual and in the second instance a means to test visual acuity,physical co-ordination and mental agility. It will also be evident thatthese alternate uses of the apparatus of the invention may be applicableto all age groups and various abilities.

It is an object of the invention to provide a means to encourageinteractive behaviour.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a board game thatfunctions as an educational tool.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a board game thatpromotes physical therapy and/or physical rehabilitation.

It is yet still a further object of the invention to provide a boardgame that promotes mental agility of individuals.

Accordingly the broadest aspect of the invention there is provided anapparatus for playing a board game comprising: a board adapted toprovide at least one playing surface wherein said playing surface isprovided with at least one feature adapted in a manner that aparticipant may cast a suitably sizes and shaped projectile aroundand/or into the feature; and wherein the board is adapted to move.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided anapparatus for playing a board game comprising;

i. a board adapted to provide at least one playing surface wherein saidplaying surface is provided with at least one feature as hereinbeforedefined providing at least one selectively positioned and optionallydetachable geometric shape around which and/or into which a participantcasts a suitably sized and shaped projectile; and optionally oradditionally provides or is adapted so as to provide means to demarcatethe playing surface into a selected number of zones which represent analternative playing surface onto which said projectiles are cast; and

ii. associated with or attached to or integral with said board there isprovided a pivot or track upon or about which said board is positionedwhereby said board may be selectively and optionally rotated or moved.

Preferably the apparatus comprises additionally,

iii. a set of game playing cards adapted to dictate selected actions byparticipants; and/or

iv. a set of rules which constitute part of said apparatus which governthe function of said apparatus and the order and actions of eachparticipant using said apparatus.

The apparatus of the invention hereindescribed elegantly provides themeans to test both the physical and mental agility of individuals of allages and abilities.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention said board is characterisedby a first and second playing surface wherein said first playing surfaceis provided with accommodating means comprising at least one uniformallysized recessed portion in the form of a groove, indentation, orreceptacle or the like, wherein said recess portion accommodatesgeometric shapes about which and/or into which participants cast saidprojectiles; and further, a second playing surface wherein said surfaceis demarcated into a series of zones which represent the play area ontowhich said projectiles may be cast by participants.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said board isselectively sized and shaped. Preferably said board is circular inconfiguration.

It will be apparent that the size of the board may be selected dependenton its specific use. For example, and not by way of limitation, a largeboard may be positioned on the floor, or a suitable platform, forexample in a nursery, school or communal meeting place in a residentialhome. Smaller boards may be provided that are suitable for tables orsimilar support means.

In yet still a further preferred embodiment of the invention said boardis constructed of a suitable smooth, robust, rigid, durable, ideally,wipe clean material, which can be readily cleaned with cleaning and/ordisinfecting agents. More preferably said board is constructed fromwood, perspex, reinforced plastic or the like. More preferably stillsaid board is constructed from Foamtex™.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said secondplaying surface is provided with at least one and preferably four zones,each zone demarcated so as to provide four play zones.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said secondplaying surface is provided with four play zones, each zone representinga quadrant of said play area ideally each quadrant is of equal area.

In yet still a further preferred embodiment of the invention said secondsurface is demarcated by the use of selected colouring of said playzones.

In yet still a further preferred embodiment of the invention said boardis provided with selectively positioned hinges to facilitate thepackaging and/or storage of said board.

In yet still a further preferred embodiment of the invention said hingeis positioned to facilitate the folding of said board into a singlequadrant.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said board isprovided with an indicator, mark, arrow or other similar means whereinwhen board rotation ceases said indicator identifies a selected playzone ideally a quadrant of the playing surface.

In yet a still further preferred embodiment of the invention saidindicator is predominantly centrally located and more ideally still isincorporated into the pivot.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said geometric shapescan be any uniform shape but preferably spheres, cones, tubes or cubeswherein said geometric shapes are adapted to retain a projectile whichis cast around or within the shape. Said geometric shapes may beprovided with a cavity into which said projectiles may be cast.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention the placing ofsaid projectile on a selected play zone is indicated by the productionof an auditory and/or visual indicator for example a sound and/or aflashing light.

In yet still a further preferred embodiment of the invention saidprojectiles are suitably sized and shaped to be readily handled by boththe young and old. For example, and not by way of limitation, hoops,bean bags, or weighted balls, and can be relatively easily cast byparticipants.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said projectilesare constructed from any durable, robust material which can be easilycleaned and/or disinfected, for example natural or synthetic materials,preferably leather, rubber, plastics or the like.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention there is provideda series of sets of play cards.

The apparatus comprises a selectively sized and shaped board supportedon a centrally located pivot about which the playing surface canoptionally rotate. One side of the board is provided with indentationsinto which can be secured a number of selectively sized geometricshapes. Participants using this playing surface of the board game canacquire points by throwing hoops or similar projectiles over and/or intothe secured objects as the board rotates. Alternatively the board can bestationary. The reverse side of the board provides an alternate playingsurface and is divided into a selected number of areas demarcated fromone another by their colour. The participants throw a suitably shapedprojectile onto the rotating playing surface and, depending on whicharea of the playing surface the projectile lands, the participant has toeither answer a selected question, score points or alternativelycomplete a forfeit.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided anapparatus for playing a board game or a component thereof assubstantially herein described and/or with reference to thecorresponding figures.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided anapparatus as hereinbefore defined for use in encouraging interactivebehaviour, as an educational tool, promoting physical and/orrehabilitation and/or mental agility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The apparatus of the invention will now be described by way of exampleonly with reference to the following figures wherein;

FIG. 1A represents a plan view of the first playing surface in a fullyopened position;

FIG. 1B represents a front perspective of the first playing surfaceincluding various geometric shapes in place on the upper surface;

FIG. 2A represents a plan view of the second playing surface in a fullyopened position;

FIG. 2B represents an alternative embodiment of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 represents of the folding procedure of the game board;

FIG. 4 represents a front perspective view of the board game supportingpivot, including domed attachment nut and corresponding washer;

FIG. 5 represents alternate preferred projectiles for use byparticipants; and

FIG. 6 represents a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment ofthe board game which includes a centrally located arrow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1A, a plan view of the first playing surface in afully opened position. The circular board is divided into equalquadrants (1). Each quadrant is provided with recessed accommodationmeans (2, 3, 4) suitably sized and shaped so as to provide securesupport for selected geometric shapes. The centrally located pivot (6)supports the board a selected distance above a resting surface wherebyrotation is facilitated when manual force is applied.

Selectively positioned hinges (5) are shown which facilitate the foldingof the board and enable the storage and/or transport of the board whennot in use.

Referring to FIG. 1B there is shown a front perspective view of thefirst playing surface with attached geometric shapes. The embodimentshown in

FIG. 1B represents the use of alternative geometric shapes. These may besolid cones (7) solid tubes (8), solid pyramids (9), solid cubes (10) oralternatively, open tubes (11) or open hollow cubes (12).

Referring to FIG. 2A a plan view second playing surface in a fullyopened position. In this particular embodiment of the apparatus, theboard is divided into quadrants, each quadrant is demarcated by adistinct colour, for example, blue (13), yellow (14), red (15) or green(16). The quadrants represent four play zones. FIG. 2B represents analternate configuration of the second playing surface. In this alternateembodiment the play zones are demarcated as alternatively colouredconcentric circles, each coloured differently to distinguish each circle(13, 14, 15, 16).

FIG. 3 represents the folding procedure of the board for storage and/ortransport purposes. (A) represents a fully opened position of the secondplaying surface; (B) represents folding of the board into a semi-circlebefore completing the compaction to a single quadrant of the board (C).

Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown a front perspective view of thethreaded pivot (17), a fixing nut (18) and a washer (19). In use thepivot (17) passes through a centrally located hole in the board and adomed fixing nut (18) is threaded onto the pivot portion that projectsabove the board surface so as to securely position the board thereaboutand inverted provides a domed surface so as to facilitate rotation ofthe board on or about a playing surface when force is imparted to theboard.

FIG. 5 is a diagramatic representation of alternate forms ofprojectiles: a hoop (20), a bean bag (21) and a ball (22). The hoop ismanufactured from any durable robust material and is such that it can beeasily cleaned and/or disinfected. The bean bags are manufactured fromfabric or similar material (e.g. plastic, leather) and adapted, by theprovision of a zip, push-action stud, Velcro™ or any alternate fixingmeans, so that the contents of the bag can be replaced and the bagwashed by conventional means. The ball (22) can be constructed from anysuitable material, for example leather or plastic.

Having illustrated the component parts of the board, including accessoryparts, the playing of the board game using alternate playing surfaceswill now be exemplified by reference to those parts hereindescribed.

Using the first playing surface, visual acuity and co-ordination arerequired to participate in this embodiment of the board game.Participants, either individuals or members of a team are provided withprojectiles, for example, a hoop (20), bean bag (21) or ball (22). Eachparticipant is positioned at a selected distance from the board and ischallenged to cast a selected projectile at one of the geometric shapes(7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) secured on the first surface of said board. Theobjective is to place the hoop about, for example, a cone (7), or apyramid (9), or a tube (8), or a cube (10). Each successful placement isrewarded by the acquisition of points with respect to the degree ofdifficulty associated with the placement. The degree of difficulty mayalso be varied by using either using a rotating board or a stationeryboard at the time of casting the projectile. The speed of rotation mayalso be varied so as to increase or decrease the degree of difficulty.Alternatively bean bags may be used in the aforedescribed manner andpoints gained by placing the bean bags in the cavities provided by thetubes (11) and/or open hollow cubes (12).

It will be apparent that this embodiment of the board game tests eye tohand co-ordination and may promote this faculty in the young and inthose that for various reasons (i.e. injury or disease) have poorco-ordination which can be improved by practice.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the second playing surfaceis used. The second playing surface is divided into quadrants, eachdistinctly coloured. Participants, either individuals or members of ateam are provided with projectiles, for example a bean bag, andparticipants are placed at a selected distance from the board. Theparticipants are challenged to cast the bean bag towards the playingsurface so as to place the bean bag on either a designated colour, oralternatively, randomly on one of the four representative colours.Depending on the location of the bean bag on the playing surface theparticipant is challenged to, for example, answer a selected questionfrom a set of cards.

The cards may be grouped by subject, for example, and not by way oflimitation, general knowledge, sport, cinema, television, gardening orthe like. Alternatively each card may contain a pictorialrepresentation. For example and not by way of limitation, a comparisoncan be made between a pictorial image and a comparable image which hasbeen amended to delete certain items present in the original image. Thetask for the participant is to identify these changes in a defined timeperiod. Alternatively a comparison may be made between two pictorialimages which have qualitative differences between them. The participantis challenged to identify these differences in a defined period of time.

Alternatively the pictorial image may contain individual representativesof a specific occupation and/or profession and the participant ischallenged to identify the occupation.

Alternatively cards may request the participant to list a defined numberof a particular set. For example, and not by way of limitation, namefive of the Apostles, name five parts of a church, name eight citiesbeginning with a defined letter, name eight English cheeses, name tengemstones, name ten spices, etc.

Alternatively the cards may request the participant to perform aselected action. For example and not by way of limitation, skip aroundthe room. Sing a song, hop on one leg, touch your toes and so on. Thusthe apparatus of the invention can be used to encourage further physicalactivity.

FIG. 6 represents a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment ofthe board game in which the centrally located pivot is additionallyprovided with an indicator or mark, for example an arrow (23), which isloosely connected to the pivot(6) to allow the arrow to rotate whenforce is applied to the arrow (23). The colour or quadrant on which thearrow stops determines the type of question and/or task to be completedby the participant(s). Alternatively the board is provided with a fixedindicator or mark and, upon rotation of the board, the colour on whichthe indicator stops when the board ceases to rotate determines whichtype of question and/or task is to be completed by the participant(s).

It will be evident that the degree of difficulty of the task set on thecards can be varied according to the age and/or mental and/or physicalability of the participant. It will be apparent therefore that theseembodiments of the game can apply to children of nursery age and toolder people as well as those individuals that may be undergoing therapyto help with a physical condition and/or rehabilitation from the effectsof a specific disease or injury.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided the use of theapparatus as hereinbefore defined in a number of activities, a set ofrules for use with the apparatus of the invention as hereinbeforedefined, or a set of game playing cards for use with the apparatus ofthe invention as hereinbefore defined. The uses, rules and cards setsrepresenting further aspects of the invention are illustrated innon-limiting manner with reference to the following.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for playing a board game comprising:i) a board adapted to provide at least one playing surface wherein afirst playing surface is provided with at least one feature providing atleast one selectively positioned geometric shape around which aparticipant may cast a suitably sized and shaped projectile; and ii)associated with said board there is provided one of a pivot and a trackfor movement of said board, said board including means to demarcate asecond playing surface into a selected number of zones which represent aplay area onto which a participant may cast a suitably sized and shapedprojectile, said board being provided with an indicator wherein whenboard rotation ceases said indicator identifies a selected play zone. 2.An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least one geometricshape is provided with a cavity into which a participant may cast thesuitably sized and shaped projectile.
 3. An apparatus according to claim1 wherein said board is at least one of rotatable about an axissubstantially perpendicular to the plane of the board and moveable in aplane containing the plane of the board by means of the one of the pivotand the track.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1 which additionallycomprises at least one of i) a set of game playing cards adapted todictate selected actions by participants; and ii) a set of rules whichconstitute part of said apparatus which govern the function of saidapparatus and the order and actions of each participant using saidapparatus.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least onegeometric shape is detachable from the playing surface.
 6. An apparatusaccording to claim 5 wherein said first playing surface is provided withaccommodating means comprising at least one uniformly sized recessedportion in the form of a groove, an indentation, and receptable whereinsaid recessed portion accommodates said at least one detachablegeometric shape.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said boardis circular in configuration.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 6wherein said board is constructed of a suitable smooth, robust, rigid,durable, wipe clean material which can be readily cleaned with at leastone of cleaning and disinfecting agents.
 9. An apparatus according toclaim 8 wherein said board is constructed from wood, perspex, reinforcedplastic.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said secondplaying surface is provided with four playzones, each zone representinga quadrant of said play area.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10wherein said quadrants are of equal area.
 12. An apparatus accordingclaim 1 wherein said second surface is demarcated by the use of selectedcolouring of said play zones.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 1wherein said indicator is centrally located.
 14. An apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein the placing of the projectile on a selected play zoneis indicated by the production of at least one of an auditory and avisual indicator.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein saidindicator is at least one of a sound and a flashing light.
 16. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein said board is provided withselectively positioned hinges to facilitate at least one packaging andstorage of said board.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 16 whereinsaid hinges are positioned to facilitate the folding of said board intoa single quadrant.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidgeometric shapes are one of spheres, cones, tubes and cubes.
 19. Anapparatus according to claim 1 comprising projectiles which are sizedand shaped to be readily handled by both the young and old.
 20. Anapparatus according to claim 19 wherein said projectiles are selectedfrom any durable, robust material which is at least one of easilycleaned and easily disinfected.
 21. An apparatus according to claim 1wherein said apparatus is provided with a series of sets of playingcards.
 22. An apparatus for playing a board game according to claim 1for use in encouraging interactive behavior as at least one of aneducational tool, promoting physical rehabilitation and mental agility.